Submit your bid: GWR launches latest Customer & Community Improvement Fund in Devon and Cornwall

Following the success of last year’s scheme, in which GWR supported 83 projects totalling £1m, the train operator is inviting funding bids for customer and community projects.

As part of its National Rail Contract with the Department for Transport, GWR is committed to supporting schools, colleges, councils, community and other not-for-profit organisations by aiding a number of initiatives.

Successful projects in Devon included the installation of the Plymouth People’s Piano in the main concourse at the city’s railway station. Plymouth Youth Music Service (PYMS), the hub lead organisation for Plymouth Music Education Hub with the support of Luke Pollard MP, successfully applied for a grant of £3,800 to deliver the equipment.

In Cornwall last year, Access Cornwall CIC used a grant of £4,450 to develop an Access Cornwall rail guide as a resource for people with accessibility challenges who live in or visit the county.

And Cornwall Heritage Trust used a £10,105 grant to produce a video focussing on the history and heritage of Treffry Viaduct and the Luxulyan Valley.

Now GWR is inviting bids for 2023-24. Schemes should show a link to the railway and address an area of social need or provide a community benefit. They should reach completion by the end of February 2024.

Applications must be submitted via an online portal on GWR’s website here where there are also guidance notes on making a successful bid. All proposals must be submitted by Thursday 25 May.

GWR Regional Growth Manager David Whiteway said:

“The Customer & Community Improvement Fund is a fantastic opportunity for us to invest in projects that really make a difference to our customers and communities at a local level.

“We are particularly interested in schemes that benefit customers, increase rail travel, encourage carbon reduction, connect communities, people and places, support economic growth, promote inclusion and diversity, and educational programmes that support careers in rail or increase awareness and experience of public transport and rail safety.

“This year we are also particularly looking for projects that help veterans, long term unemployed and women and girls.

“A good bid will show a strong level of community involvement and support and the proposal will have benefits that last beyond the duration of the project.”

Bids can vary in size, but GWR is particularly looking for small and medium bids to maximise the number of communities it can help.